Obituary of Avis Collins Koger

Avis Collins Koger passed away November 29, 2021, at the age of 97, following a brief illness.  Born Avis Arlene Brackett on August 4, 1924, in West Buxton, Maine, to James Albert and Ella Evelyn Irish Brackett, she grew up in Portland, attended Portland High School, and later graduated from business college.  At a USO dance during WWII she met and subsequently married Travis James Collins of Arkansas, who was returning from serving in the Marine Corp in the South Pacific.

Married for 25 years, they had two sons – the first, Thomas James Collins (residing in Austin, TX), and Andrew David Collins (of Bremerton, WA).  In 1966, after the couple traveled the country, living and working in numerous states, they settled in Austin. Following his passing, she met Texas native Thomas George Koger of Taylor. They had been married over 20 years when he passed, and she was widowed a second time.

Avis was active in the League of Women Voters, enjoyed square dancing, playing bridge, water volleyball, and cheering the Texas Longhorns. A member of the Tarrytown Methodist Church for many years, she later joined the Crestview Methodist Church. Returning to the workforce in 1972, she was an administrator for the University of Texas Police Department until her retirement.

Always with a smile on her face, Avis loved and cared for people.  She was an encourager, genuinely loved and admired by everyone who knew her.

Funeral services for Mrs.Avis Koger will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Austin Peel and Son Funeral Home, 607 E. Anderson Ln., Austin, Texas, 78752. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery. All family and friends are invited and welcome to attend.